Institute for Southern Studies
@southernstudies.bsky.social
Investigative journalism rooted in Southern history and driven by a vision for justice. Exposing injustice, strengthening democracy, and building community for change. Publisher of Facing South: https://www.facingsouth.org/
Pinned
Dive into four decades of Southern history and resistance. Explore our digital archives — a rich collection of articles on economic, racial, and social justice in the region. Start your journey here. 🌍📚
Check out the link below:
www.facingsouth.org/southern-exp...
Check out the link below:
www.facingsouth.org/southern-exp...
NEW VIDEO: What does Duke owe Durham? Historian and urbanist @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social breaks down the role of universities like Duke and why they should invest more to support workers and communities. www.facingsouth.org/2025/10/watc...
WATCH: What does Duke owe Durham?
At a recent Institute forum, urbanist and historian Prof. Davarian Baldwin looked at the role of universities in their communities, and why institutions like Duke University should do more to invest i...
www.facingsouth.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:55 PM
NEW VIDEO: What does Duke owe Durham? Historian and urbanist @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social breaks down the role of universities like Duke and why they should invest more to support workers and communities. www.facingsouth.org/2025/10/watc...
Southern states are being disproportionately hard-hit by the government shutdown. Analysis finds 8 of 20 states most affected are in the South, based on indicators including share of federal jobs and contract dollars per capita. More:
wallethub.com/edu/governme...
wallethub.com/edu/governme...
October 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Southern states are being disproportionately hard-hit by the government shutdown. Analysis finds 8 of 20 states most affected are in the South, based on indicators including share of federal jobs and contract dollars per capita. More:
wallethub.com/edu/governme...
wallethub.com/edu/governme...
🗳️Democracy is strongest when everyone has a voice.
Last month we released the Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy — a bold plan to defend and expand democracy in NC.
40+ bipartisan policies to protect voting rights & ensure every voice counts.
Learn more: www.southernstudies.org/2025Blueprint
Last month we released the Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy — a bold plan to defend and expand democracy in NC.
40+ bipartisan policies to protect voting rights & ensure every voice counts.
Learn more: www.southernstudies.org/2025Blueprint
October 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
🗳️Democracy is strongest when everyone has a voice.
Last month we released the Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy — a bold plan to defend and expand democracy in NC.
40+ bipartisan policies to protect voting rights & ensure every voice counts.
Learn more: www.southernstudies.org/2025Blueprint
Last month we released the Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy — a bold plan to defend and expand democracy in NC.
40+ bipartisan policies to protect voting rights & ensure every voice counts.
Learn more: www.southernstudies.org/2025Blueprint
This Founders’ Day, @durhamrising.bsky.social urges Duke to honor the workers — past & present — who keep the university running. The campaign demands higher wages & investment in Durham, challenging Duke’s history of resisting worker activism.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/durh...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/durh...
Durham Rising confronts Duke’s troubled labor history
A campaign launched this spring is calling on Duke University to raise wages and invest in the city of Durham. Over its history, the elite Southern school has earned a reputation for its hostility to ...
www.facingsouth.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:41 PM
This Founders’ Day, @durhamrising.bsky.social urges Duke to honor the workers — past & present — who keep the university running. The campaign demands higher wages & investment in Durham, challenging Duke’s history of resisting worker activism.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/durh...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/durh...
🚨 Democracy in NC and nationwide is under threat. Our new Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy outlines 40+ reforms to protect and strengthen our institutions. NC has a proud history of democratic innovation with proven, bipartisan solutions,w e can lead again.
👉 www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/nc-a...
👉 www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/nc-a...
NC advocates release 'Blueprint' to strengthen democracy
A group of 20 state and national advocates has released a report outlining a pro-democracy agenda for North Carolina. Issues range from voting access to combating corruption, protecting court independ...
www.facingsouth.org
September 23, 2025 at 3:21 PM
🚨 Democracy in NC and nationwide is under threat. Our new Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy outlines 40+ reforms to protect and strengthen our institutions. NC has a proud history of democratic innovation with proven, bipartisan solutions,w e can lead again.
👉 www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/nc-a...
👉 www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/nc-a...
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
So thrilled to be back in Durham to help strategize and build people power, so that our wealthiest local institutions truly lean into community responsibility beyond symbolic gestures...let's go ✊🏿!!!
What Does Duke Owe Durham? Join us Friday 9/26 at 2pm for a forum featuring @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social about how Duke University can support workers and the community. Visit here for more info and to RSVP: www.southernstudies.org/davarianbald... @durhamrising.bsky.social
What Does Duke Owe Durham?
The Institute for Southern Studies and Durham Rising invite you to a talk and discussion with award-winning author DAVARIAN BALDWIN Friday, Sept. 26 | 2-3pm Asbury United Methodist Church | 806 Claren...
www.southernstudies.org
September 22, 2025 at 3:08 PM
So thrilled to be back in Durham to help strategize and build people power, so that our wealthiest local institutions truly lean into community responsibility beyond symbolic gestures...let's go ✊🏿!!!
What Does Duke Owe Durham? Join us Friday 9/26 at 2pm for a forum featuring @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social about how Duke University can support workers and the community. Visit here for more info and to RSVP: www.southernstudies.org/davarianbald... @durhamrising.bsky.social
What Does Duke Owe Durham?
The Institute for Southern Studies and Durham Rising invite you to a talk and discussion with award-winning author DAVARIAN BALDWIN Friday, Sept. 26 | 2-3pm Asbury United Methodist Church | 806 Claren...
www.southernstudies.org
September 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
What Does Duke Owe Durham? Join us Friday 9/26 at 2pm for a forum featuring @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social about how Duke University can support workers and the community. Visit here for more info and to RSVP: www.southernstudies.org/davarianbald... @durhamrising.bsky.social
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
“At approximately 7:05 am, University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree (at) central campus near the DSU pickleball course,” Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler said on Monday.
DSU Student Found Hanging in Tree, No Foul Play Suspected
Delta State University staff found the body of 21-year-old student Demartravion “Trey” Reed hanging from a tree in the middle of campus on Monday.
buff.ly
September 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM
“At approximately 7:05 am, University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree (at) central campus near the DSU pickleball course,” Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler said on Monday.
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
A Georgia judge said this week he will toss racketeering charges against 61 "Cop City" protesters. For Facing South
I interviewed attorney Devin Franklin at @thesoutherncenter.bsky.social about the flimsy state RICO charges when they were first brought two years ago @southernstudies.bsky.social
I interviewed attorney Devin Franklin at @thesoutherncenter.bsky.social about the flimsy state RICO charges when they were first brought two years ago @southernstudies.bsky.social
'The stakes are incredibly high': An interview with Devin Franklin on RICO charges against 'Cop City' activists
In late August, Georgia’s attorney general issued indictments under the state’s RICO statute targeting protesters against a planned new police and fire training center. An attorney with the Southern C...
www.facingsouth.org
September 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
A Georgia judge said this week he will toss racketeering charges against 61 "Cop City" protesters. For Facing South
I interviewed attorney Devin Franklin at @thesoutherncenter.bsky.social about the flimsy state RICO charges when they were first brought two years ago @southernstudies.bsky.social
I interviewed attorney Devin Franklin at @thesoutherncenter.bsky.social about the flimsy state RICO charges when they were first brought two years ago @southernstudies.bsky.social
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
Southern states will feel brunt of attacks on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 49% of complaints filed with CFPB since 2011 have come from 13 states in the South @ddayen.bsky.social @warren.senate.gov @southernstudies.bsky.social @crlonline.bsky.social
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
Institute Index: The assault on consumer protection
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's he...
www.facingsouth.org
September 9, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Southern states will feel brunt of attacks on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 49% of complaints filed with CFPB since 2011 have come from 13 states in the South @ddayen.bsky.social @warren.senate.gov @southernstudies.bsky.social @crlonline.bsky.social
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's help have come from Southern states.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
Institute Index: The assault on consumer protection
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's he...
www.facingsouth.org
September 4, 2025 at 12:27 AM
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's help have come from Southern states.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
This #LaborDay, we remember John Stewart, a Black sawmill worker in Arkansas who won a promotion, back pay, and legal costs with his union’s support—part of a wave of Black workers reclaiming wages, showing fairness at work is won through solidarity.
www.facingsouth.org/eeoc-mandate...
www.facingsouth.org/eeoc-mandate...
EEOC: Mandate for Labor
www.facingsouth.org
September 1, 2025 at 10:20 PM
This #LaborDay, we remember John Stewart, a Black sawmill worker in Arkansas who won a promotion, back pay, and legal costs with his union’s support—part of a wave of Black workers reclaiming wages, showing fairness at work is won through solidarity.
www.facingsouth.org/eeoc-mandate...
www.facingsouth.org/eeoc-mandate...
@durhamrising.bsky.social is urging Duke to invest in its city & raise employee wages to $25/hr. Historian Davarian Baldwin says universities often worsen gentrification & inequality, and advocates PILOT programs to support schools, housing & public services.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/what...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/what...
What do universities owe communities? An interview with Davarian Baldwin
At a critical moment for higher education, a leading urban scholar argues universities need to be doing more — not less — to support and invest in the communities where they are based.
www.facingsouth.org
August 28, 2025 at 5:43 PM
@durhamrising.bsky.social is urging Duke to invest in its city & raise employee wages to $25/hr. Historian Davarian Baldwin says universities often worsen gentrification & inequality, and advocates PILOT programs to support schools, housing & public services.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/what...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/what...
On the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington, we look back at a 2023 Facing South story, where photographer Earl Dotter reconnected with Raymona Middleton — first photographed there as a teenager— to reflect on the march’s enduring meaning.
www.facingsouth.org/2023/08/marc...
www.facingsouth.org/2023/08/marc...
Revisiting the March on Washington
On the sixtieth anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom, photojournalist Earl Dotter writes about reconnecting with Raymona Middleton, a third-generation Black Washingtonian whom he first met on...
www.facingsouth.org
August 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM
On the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington, we look back at a 2023 Facing South story, where photographer Earl Dotter reconnected with Raymona Middleton — first photographed there as a teenager— to reflect on the march’s enduring meaning.
www.facingsouth.org/2023/08/marc...
www.facingsouth.org/2023/08/marc...
📅 On this day in 1975, Joan Little became the 1st woman in U.S. history acquitted for using deadly force to resist sexual assault—killing a white guard in self-defense.
In 1978, Southern Exposure revisited how her case reshaped racial & gender justice in the South.
www.facingsouth.org/i-am-joan
In 1978, Southern Exposure revisited how her case reshaped racial & gender justice in the South.
www.facingsouth.org/i-am-joan
I Am Joan
www.facingsouth.org
August 15, 2025 at 5:07 PM
📅 On this day in 1975, Joan Little became the 1st woman in U.S. history acquitted for using deadly force to resist sexual assault—killing a white guard in self-defense.
In 1978, Southern Exposure revisited how her case reshaped racial & gender justice in the South.
www.facingsouth.org/i-am-joan
In 1978, Southern Exposure revisited how her case reshaped racial & gender justice in the South.
www.facingsouth.org/i-am-joan
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
Today: North Carolinians protested at the legislature in Raleigh, speaking out against a number of bad bills that hurt immigrant and LGBTQ communities, attack diversity, and more. They called on lawmakers to uphold Governor Stein's vetoes of these harmful bills.
July 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Today: North Carolinians protested at the legislature in Raleigh, speaking out against a number of bad bills that hurt immigrant and LGBTQ communities, attack diversity, and more. They called on lawmakers to uphold Governor Stein's vetoes of these harmful bills.
From the Archives: Medicaid expansion is the lifeline rural hospitals need.
Back in 2022, we examined how Southern hospitals were on the brink and how expanding Medicaid could save them. The stakes are still high.
www.facingsouth.org/2022/01/medi...
Back in 2022, we examined how Southern hospitals were on the brink and how expanding Medicaid could save them. The stakes are still high.
www.facingsouth.org/2022/01/medi...
Medicaid expansion could be a lifeline for rural hospitals in the South
Rural hospitals were able to survive 2021 with special pandemic assistance, but some aid is set to expire by the end of this year. Advocates say state Medicaid expansion could help rural hospitals con...
www.facingsouth.org
July 28, 2025 at 4:10 PM
From the Archives: Medicaid expansion is the lifeline rural hospitals need.
Back in 2022, we examined how Southern hospitals were on the brink and how expanding Medicaid could save them. The stakes are still high.
www.facingsouth.org/2022/01/medi...
Back in 2022, we examined how Southern hospitals were on the brink and how expanding Medicaid could save them. The stakes are still high.
www.facingsouth.org/2022/01/medi...
From the Archives: In 1980, Anne Braden wrote:
“It is only on the basis of racism that a mass fascist movement can be built in America.”
📚 Her essay on the Greensboro Massacre is essential reading in the fight against fascism.
www.facingsouth.org/1980/08/less...
“It is only on the basis of racism that a mass fascist movement can be built in America.”
📚 Her essay on the Greensboro Massacre is essential reading in the fight against fascism.
www.facingsouth.org/1980/08/less...
July 26, 2025 at 12:51 AM
From the Archives: In 1980, Anne Braden wrote:
“It is only on the basis of racism that a mass fascist movement can be built in America.”
📚 Her essay on the Greensboro Massacre is essential reading in the fight against fascism.
www.facingsouth.org/1980/08/less...
“It is only on the basis of racism that a mass fascist movement can be built in America.”
📚 Her essay on the Greensboro Massacre is essential reading in the fight against fascism.
www.facingsouth.org/1980/08/less...
🚨 NC Republicans are pushing SB416—a bill backed by ALEC & dark money groups like DonorsTrust—that would block public access to political donor info.
Gov. Stein vetoed it. Now the GOP aims to override.
Critics warn: transparency is at stake.
🔗 www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/gop-...
Gov. Stein vetoed it. Now the GOP aims to override.
Critics warn: transparency is at stake.
🔗 www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/gop-...
GOP escalates campaign to weaken donor transparency in NC
A North Carolina bill is the latest effort by GOP donors and advocates to hide Big Money political spending from public view. As they try to overturn the governor's veto, they're lobbying Democrats to...
www.facingsouth.org
July 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM
🚨 NC Republicans are pushing SB416—a bill backed by ALEC & dark money groups like DonorsTrust—that would block public access to political donor info.
Gov. Stein vetoed it. Now the GOP aims to override.
Critics warn: transparency is at stake.
🔗 www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/gop-...
Gov. Stein vetoed it. Now the GOP aims to override.
Critics warn: transparency is at stake.
🔗 www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/gop-...
On July 4, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The results?
💸 $183.5B cut from Southern Medicaid
🏥 354K could lose coverage
🚨 289 rural hospitals at risk (37%)
⚠️ 77% of Southern Senators voted yes
📊 More via Facing South: www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/inst...
The results?
💸 $183.5B cut from Southern Medicaid
🏥 354K could lose coverage
🚨 289 rural hospitals at risk (37%)
⚠️ 77% of Southern Senators voted yes
📊 More via Facing South: www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/inst...
Institute Index: Big bill's blow to Southern health care
Date in July on which President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: 4th
www.facingsouth.org
July 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
On July 4, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The results?
💸 $183.5B cut from Southern Medicaid
🏥 354K could lose coverage
🚨 289 rural hospitals at risk (37%)
⚠️ 77% of Southern Senators voted yes
📊 More via Facing South: www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/inst...
The results?
💸 $183.5B cut from Southern Medicaid
🏥 354K could lose coverage
🚨 289 rural hospitals at risk (37%)
⚠️ 77% of Southern Senators voted yes
📊 More via Facing South: www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/inst...
📚 A reading list tracing connections between Southern U.S. movements and global struggles for liberation, including Gaza. From civil rights sit-ins to Southern ties to U.S. militarism, these readings explore protest, policing, and solidarity across decades.
www.facingsouth.org/2024/05/sout...
www.facingsouth.org/2024/05/sout...
A Southern Exposure/Facing South reading list for Gaza organizers
A collection of Facing South and Southern Exposure’s past coverage of militarism and state repression of protest in the South, created for the students, community organizers, faculty, and staff protes...
www.facingsouth.org
July 24, 2025 at 10:06 PM
📚 A reading list tracing connections between Southern U.S. movements and global struggles for liberation, including Gaza. From civil rights sit-ins to Southern ties to U.S. militarism, these readings explore protest, policing, and solidarity across decades.
www.facingsouth.org/2024/05/sout...
www.facingsouth.org/2024/05/sout...
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
NEW: Top Democrats are fighting back as Texas Republicans push a Trump-backed redistricting plan to lock in 5 new congressional seats.
They call the plan “egregious” and a direct threat to democracy.
From: @yuniorarivas.bsky.social
They call the plan “egregious” and a direct threat to democracy.
From: @yuniorarivas.bsky.social
Democrats Mobilize to Stop Texas GOP’s Redistricting Power Grab
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
July 24, 2025 at 12:54 AM
NEW: Top Democrats are fighting back as Texas Republicans push a Trump-backed redistricting plan to lock in 5 new congressional seats.
They call the plan “egregious” and a direct threat to democracy.
From: @yuniorarivas.bsky.social
They call the plan “egregious” and a direct threat to democracy.
From: @yuniorarivas.bsky.social
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
A federal judge ruled Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be released before trial in Tennessee. But his attorneys requested a delay, citing concerns he may face deportation.
Read more: bit.ly/46k0F8m
Read more: bit.ly/46k0F8m
July 23, 2025 at 11:55 PM
A federal judge ruled Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be released before trial in Tennessee. But his attorneys requested a delay, citing concerns he may face deportation.
Read more: bit.ly/46k0F8m
Read more: bit.ly/46k0F8m
🚨 A new analysis warns that Southern states—home to nearly a third of all federal civilian jobs—are likely to bear the brunt of Trump’s sweeping 275k+ federal workforce reductions, including deep cuts to NIH support for Appalachia & other vital regional programs.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/02/sout...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/02/sout...
South poised to be hit hard by Trump federal job cuts
The Trump administration has unleashed massive cuts to federal jobs and programs since taking office. With close to a third of federal employees based in Southern states, the region could be uniquely ...
www.facingsouth.org
July 23, 2025 at 9:45 PM
🚨 A new analysis warns that Southern states—home to nearly a third of all federal civilian jobs—are likely to bear the brunt of Trump’s sweeping 275k+ federal workforce reductions, including deep cuts to NIH support for Appalachia & other vital regional programs.
www.facingsouth.org/2025/02/sout...
www.facingsouth.org/2025/02/sout...
Reposted by Institute for Southern Studies
Breaking News: The UN’s top court called climate change an “existential threat” and said nations had legal obligations to act. It was the first time that the court has weighed in on climate change.
Top U.N. Court Says Countries Must Act on Climate Change
The International Court of Justice called global warming an “urgent and existential threat” at a closely watched case in The Hague.
trib.al
July 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Breaking News: The UN’s top court called climate change an “existential threat” and said nations had legal obligations to act. It was the first time that the court has weighed in on climate change.